Applicator and tissue interface module for dermatological device
A tissue interface module has an applicator chamber on a proximal side of the tissue interface module and a tissue acquisition chamber on a distal side of the tissue interface module. The applicator chamber may include: an opening adapted to receive the applicator; an attachment mechanism positioned in the applicator chamber and adapted to attach the tissue interface module to the applicator; a sealing member positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber; and a vacuum interface positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum inlet positioned on a distal end of the applicator. The invention also includes corresponding methods.
1. A method of treating a patient comprising:
positioning a distal end of an applicator in an applicator chamber of a tissue interface module;
sealing a central opening between the applicator chamber and a tissue acquisition chamber of the tissue interface module against the distal end of the applicator;
applying a vacuum to the applicator chamber;
placing a distal opening of a tissue acquisition chamber of the tissue interface module against a tissue surface;
pulling a portion of the patient's tissue into the tissue acquisition chamber by creating a vacuum in the tissue acquisition chamber, the vacuum being created by drawing air from the tissue acquisition chamber to a vacuum source in the applicator through a vacuum path comprising the applicator chamber and a filter between the applicator chamber and the tissue acquisition chamber; and
applying microwave energy to tissue positioned in the tissue acquisition chamber.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising cooling the tissue positioned in the acquisition chamber.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising sealing the applicator chamber against the applicator at a vacuum interface.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising magnetically attaching the tissue interface module to the applicator.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the step of magnetically attaching comprises forming a magnetic circuit between elements of the applicator and the tissue interface module.